kirsty duncan

Former Liberal Cabinet Minister Kirsty Duncan Passes Away at 59

Verified News Sources: CP24, The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star

TORONTO — Canada is mourning the loss of a dedicated public servant and former cabinet minister. Kirsty Duncan, a prominent Liberal MP who represented the riding of Etobicoke North, has died at the age of 59. Her passing has been confirmed by multiple reputable news outlets, including CP24, The Globe and Mail, and the Toronto Star.

According to verified reports, Duncan succumbed following a years-long battle with cancer. Her death marks the end of a distinguished career in Canadian politics and public service, where she left an indelible mark on science, sport, and healthcare policy.

A Life of Service and Science

Kirsty Duncan was more than just a politician; she was a medical geographer who brought a unique academic rigor to her roles in government. Before entering politics, she was deeply involved in studying the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, a background that would inform her approach to public health crises years later.

Elected as the Member of Parliament for Etobicoke North in 2008, Duncan quickly established herself as a tireless advocate for her constituents. She won five consecutive elections, a testament to her deep connection with the community she served. As noted by The Hill Times, she opted not to run for re-election in 2025, bringing an end to a nearly two-decade tenure in the House of Commons.

Her career in federal politics reached its peak when she was appointed to the Cabinet in 2015 following the Liberal majority victory. During her time as a minister, she held several high-profile portfolios, including Minister of Science, and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities. Her colleagues often described her as a compassionate leader who championed inclusivity and evidence-based policy.

Timeline of a Courageous Battle

The news of her passing has been met with an outpouring of grief from across the political spectrum. The official reports confirm a timeline of her health struggles and her steadfast commitment to her duties even in the face of adversity.

• 2023: Duncan announced she was taking a medical leave to focus on her health. Despite the severity of her condition, she remained an MP, continuing to represent Etobicoke North.
• 2025: She officially concluded her time in Parliament, choosing not to seek re-election.
• 2026: The Canadian Press and other major news organizations reported her passing at the age of 59 after a years-long battle with cancer.

Prior to her medical leave, Duncan was vocal about the challenges within the Canadian sports system. In a significant moment reported by the Toronto Star, she told a parliamentary committee that she had been pressured to pivot away from addressing the safe sport crisis. She had called for a full inquiry into the systemic issues affecting athletes, demonstrating her commitment to transparency and safety even as her time as Minister of Sport concluded in 2019.

Political Legacy and Context

Kirsty Duncan’s career spanned a pivotal era in Canadian politics. Her background in medicine and geography allowed her to bridge the gap between scientific communities and government policy. As a former deputy leader of the government, she played a crucial role in steering legislative agendas.

Her work as Minister of Science is particularly remembered for its focus on funding and supporting the scientific community. She advocated for the return of the long-form census, a vital tool for researchers and policymakers, reversing a controversial decision made by the previous administration. Her tenure helped restore the autonomy and funding for Canada’s research councils, a legacy that continues to impact Canadian innovation today.

As Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, Duncan focused on promoting active living and inclusivity. She was a strong voice for the Paralympic movement and worked to ensure that sport was accessible to all Canadians, regardless of ability. Her advocacy for safe sport reform highlighted the need for a cultural shift within athletic organizations to protect athletes from abuse and mistreatment.

The Impact of Her Passing

The immediate impact of Kirsty Duncan’s death is felt most acutely in her home riding of Etobicoke North and within the Liberal caucus. Her passing leaves a void in a community she represented faithfully for 17 years. Constituents and colleagues alike have described her as a "fighter" and a "compassionate advocate."

Her death also rekindles discussions about the physical and mental toll of public service. Duncan’s decision to take a medical leave while remaining on the job highlighted the intense pressures faced by elected officials. Her transparency regarding her health struggles, while maintaining her constituency work as long as possible, set a precedent for balancing personal health with public duty.

In the broader political context, her passing serves as a reminder of the human element behind the policy debates. As noted in the supplementary research, her career was defined by a commitment to "what sport was really about" and the importance of scientific integrity—values she championed until the very end.

Remembering Kirsty Duncan

As Canada processes the news of her passing, the focus remains on the legacy she leaves behind. Kirsty Duncan was a trailblazer who successfully merged her academic expertise with political leadership. She was a voice for the vulnerable, a defender of science, and a champion for safe, inclusive sport.

Her journey from studying the Spanish flu to navigating a global pandemic as a parliamentarian showcased her resilience and dedication. While her battle with cancer has ended, her contributions to Canadian society will endure.

Tributes are expected to continue to pour in from across the country, honoring a woman who dedicated her life to the service of others. Kirsty Duncan is survived by her family and the many Canadians whose lives she touched through her work.